1957 Chevy Apache Is a Tougher Bel Air

Vintage pickup has many awesome features that were prevalent on Chevrolet’s Bel Air sedan.

Designers behind pickup trucks put a lot more effort into coming out with a stirring look in the good ol’ days. Take this 1957 Chevrolet Apache pickup truck we recently spotted on the Mecum Auctions auction site. The pickup, with its hotrod-like lines and muscular face is a looker, and thanks to some extra goodies, is sure to be a performer.

According to H&H Classic Parts, The ’57 Apache, which was the name for light-duty pickup trucks, was the first year the model was fitted with the larger, open grille that gave the car its fish-like face. The love-it-or-hate it feature, we think it looks fantastic, was only on trucks from 1957. The grille was remarkably similar to the one found on the Bel Air from that year, as well.

The grille wasn’t the only thing the Apache shared with the Bel Air, as the pickup truck had a similar hood, except beefier, headlight design, and muscular lines. Essentially, the Apache looks like a sturdier, more muscular version of the Bel Air.

This specific Apache has been heavily modified, but still retains the incredible lines of the original pickup. The exterior now features a yellow and silver paint job, which the listing claims is PPG Saffron Yellow with Satin Silver accents, and boy does it look good. Automakers should offer a yellow paint scheme on modern pickups, because it looks stunning.

The Satin Silver accents really shine thanks to chrome touches on the front bumper, grille, mirrors, and wheels. The oak bed is also new. And speaking of the truck’s rear end, the Apache has a custom rear end tidies up the rear and gives the pickup a sleek, muscle-car look.

The interior has also received a makeover with Dove Gray leather, some modern touches, like CD, MP3, and iPod connectivity, because being able to listen to one’s music is crucial to enjoying a classic on a regular basis. Plus, the interior also retains a healthy bit of the stunning yellow paint job from the outside, as well as the stripes that continue onto the dashboard. While not as striking as the exterior, the modern interior is sure to be more comfortable than an original model.

While Apache trucks in 1957 came fitted with a 235 cu. in. six-cylinder engine as standard and had a 265 cu. in. V8 as an optional extra, this pickup has some extra oomph under the hood. Power comes courtesy of a GM Vortec 6.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission with a custom shifter. When it comes to performance, this pickup spanks the original one.

Don’t think classic pickup trucks look better than their modern counterparts? Check out the gallery above and just try to talk us out of falling in love.